QQuestionGeology
QuestionGeology
"Which of the following is an example of chemical weathering?
A. The breaking of rocks into smaller pieces due to freeze-thaw cycles
B. The cracking of rocks from plant root growth
C. The hydrolysis of feldspar minerals to form clay minerals
D. The abrasion of rocks by wind-blown sand"
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Answer
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Step 1:: Identify the process in each option
For each option, we need to determine if it is a type of chemical weathering. Chemical weathering involves chemical changes to the minerals in rocks due to reactions with air, water, or other substances.
Step 2:: Analyze option A
Option A describes the breaking of rocks into smaller pieces due to freeze-thaw cycles. This process is physical weathering, not chemical weathering, as it only involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing the minerals' chemical composition.
Step 3:: Analyze option B
Option B mentions the cracking of rocks from plant root growth. This is another example of physical weathering, as the plant roots only cause mechanical stress on the rocks, leading to their breakage into smaller fragments.
Step 4:: Analyze option C
Option C describes the hydrolysis of feldspar minerals to form clay minerals. Hydrolysis is a chemical process that involves the breaking of chemical bonds and the formation of new ones. In this case, the hydrolysis of feldspar results in the formation of clay minerals, making it an example of chemical weathering.
Step 5:: Analyze option D
Option D mentions the abrasion of rocks by wind-blown sand. This is an example of mechanical or physical weathering, as the sand particles only cause wear and tear on the rock surface without inducing any chemical changes.
Final Answer
The example of chemical weathering from the given options is option C: The hydrolysis of feldspar minerals to form clay minerals.
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